Women are unbelievable beings who can balance countless responsibilities and handle anything that comes their way. Beyoncé even said ‘Girls run the world’ to which Ariana Grande backs up by saying god is indeed a woman.
Despite the strength of an army within them, women are still humans with kryptonite. One overlooked aspect amid busy lives and schedules is breast care and hygiene. Yes, we wear bras to support them— but is it enough?
It's time to prioritize this essential aspect of womanhood. Whether you're a young girl discovering your body or a mature woman navigating body age transformations, understanding your breasts and practicing good care is crucial.
Let’s dive in and empower ourselves with knowledge.
Understanding Your Breasts
To truly care for your breast health, it's essential to develop a deep understanding of their normal appearance and feel. Just like knowing your body's rhythms, getting familiar with your breasts empowers you to recognize any unusual changes.
Remember, breasts vary widely in size and shape. What's important is setting a baseline so that you can easily notice deviations from the norm. This intimate knowledge is your first line of defense in maintaining breast health and breast cancer awareness.
1. Maintain Cleanliness and Support
Keeping the breast area clean and dry helps prevent infections and irritation. Gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals or scented products. After showering, pat the area dry thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
Equally important is wearing the right bra. A well-fitted bra provides support and reduces discomfort. It helps prevent skin irritation and chafing, common causes of breast discomfort, or common bra fit problems.
That’s why we recommend opting for bras made from breathable fabrics and changing them regularly to maintain hygiene.
2. Perform a proper Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Regular breast self-examination (BSE) is a crucial component of breast care. While you can pay close to your breast’s appearance in the mirror or feel their texture during showers, doing regular BSE increases helps you become familiar with your breasts and can make a significant difference in early detection.
Step 1: Choose a regular date for BSE
Pick a specific day each month to perform your self-exam.
- For regularly menstruating women: We recommend performing a BSE between day 7 to day 10 from the first day of your menstruation.
- For irregularly menstruating or menopausal women, and even men: Assign one day a month to perform a BSE.
Step 2: Choose how you want to perform the BSE
A BSE can be done while lying down, in front of a mirror, or even while you’re in the shower. But we recommend you lie down flat on your back. You can place a small pillow under the right armpit and place your right arm behind your head.
Step 3: Use the pads of the 3 middle fingers to feel your breasts
The three middle fingers of your hand are the recommended size and strength to feel for mass on the right breast.
Press firmly using the pads of your middle fingers toward the right breast and form the shape of a 25 centavo coin for every press to know how your breast feels.
Consult your doctor if you are not sure how hard to press.
Step 4: Choose BSE pattern to follow and use the pattern every time to compare each month
While there's no universally agreed-upon "best" pattern for BSE, here are three common approaches to help you systematically examine your breasts:
1. Circular Pattern
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Start at the nipple and move outward in a circular motion, covering the entire breast.
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Use the pads of your fingers to apply gentle pressure.
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Repeat this pattern several times, varying the pressure with each pass.
2. Wedge Pattern
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Imagine your breast divided into sections like a pie.
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Starting at the nipple, move your fingers outward in a straight line toward the edge of the breast.
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Cover the entire breast by moving from one section to the next.
3. Up-and-Down Pattern
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Move your fingers in vertical lines up and down the breast, covering the entire area.
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Overlap the lines slightly as you move across the breast.
Remember: Choose a pattern that feels most comfortable for you and stick with it to establish a baseline for your breasts.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 1 to 4 on your other breast.
3. Be Aware of the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
You can’t spot what you don’t know how it looks and feels. it's important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of breast cancer:
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A lump in the breast or underarm
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Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
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Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
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Redness or pitting of breast skin
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Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
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Pain in the nipple or breast
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Nipple retraction (turning inward)
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Changes in the size or shape of the breast
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Breast or nipple pain
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Any skin rash around the nipple
If you notice any of these changes or feel any discomfort, consult your doctor immediately.
4. Seek Clinical Breast Exams (CBEs) and Mammograms Routinely
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are vital for breast health. Clinical breast exams (CBEs) should be part of your routine check-ups. Mammograms, and low-dose X-rays of the breast, are recommended for women of a certain age.
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For non-high-risk women and men, it is advisable to have the CBE:
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Every 3 years, for age 20 to 39 years old; and,
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Every year, for ages 40 years and older.
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For high-risk women and men, CBE should be performed:
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Ever 6 to 12 months or 1 to 2 times a year for ages 20 to 35 years old, and;
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Every 3 to 6 months or 2 to 4 times a year; for more than 35 years old.
5. Submit to Screening Mammography, Regularly
Mammography is an imaging technique that uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed pictures of the breast.
Mammograms are the best method to find very early breast cancer changes that may not yet be seen on the ultrasound or palpated by your or your doctor’s breast assessment.
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For non-high-risk women, it is recommended:
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Every year, for ages 45 years old and above.
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For high-risk women (particularly those having a family history of breast cancer among 1st-degree relatives), it is advised:
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Ever 1-2 years starting at the age of 30 years old, and;
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Every 6 months for ages 45 years old and above.
Regular mammograms, combined with clinical breast exams and self-awareness, form a strong defense against this disease. Remember, while mammograms are not perfect, they significantly improve the odds of surviving breast cancer.
Maintaining breast health involves a combination of self-awareness, regular check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle. By understanding your breasts, performing regular self-exams, and seeking professional care, you can take proactive steps to protect your health.
Would you like to add information about breast hygiene or specific lifestyle recommendations for breast health? Stay up-to-date with the latest announcements from Wacoal by following our official Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts today.
Stay comfy, healthy, and confident, inside and out!
